Assessing the sedative effects of intranasal midazolam in the tropical screech owl (Megascops choliba): A dose-response study.

Intranasal midazolam 4-6 mg/kg provides safe, rapid, effective sedation in screech owls.

This prospective randomized experimental study evaluated the sedative efficacy of intranasal midazolam in 30 clinically healthy adult tropical screech owls (Megascops choliba) across three dose groups: 2 mg/kg, 4 mg/kg, and 6 mg/kg. Sedation was assessed using a composite numerical rating scale (0-12), with onset time and recovery time recorded. Higher doses (4-6 mg/kg) demonstrated significantly faster onset times (approximately 30-32 seconds) compared to 2 mg/kg (77 seconds, p=0.010). Median sedation scores were dose-dependent, with deeper sedation achieved at 4 mg/kg (7.2) and 6 mg/kg (8.1) versus 2 mg/kg (5.5, p<0.001). No adverse effects were observed across any treatment group. The findings support intranasal midazolam at 4-6 mg/kg as a safe, rapid, and effective sedative option for Strigiformes, offering practical advantages for both clinical and field applications in avian medicine.

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